Chris Trefz Art Blog

Remember the episode where Scooby and the mystery gang had to trap a rampaging Godzilla, only to unmask the marauding monster and discover it was actually Mechagodzilla the whole time!? Happy April Fools! . . . .

It's Over 9000! Sharing some new artwork in honor of the legendary creator, Akira Toriyama, who passed away on March 1st. In this piece, Goku is depicted powering up for his next planet-shaking battle. I vividly remember watching Dragon Ball Z on Toonami during the early 2000s. The imaginative character designs, the exhilarating fight scenes, and Goku's unwavering optimism and determination against insurmountable odds always left a lasting impression on me. As well as it's humorous moments like power-up scenes that seemed to span the length of an episodes to iconic lines like Vegeta's infamous "It's over 9,000!" scream before crushing his scouter device. It's not surprising the series became a global phenomenon. While I may have only caught occasional Dragon Ball movies or revisited clips on YouTube after the show left Toonami, Akira Toriyama's impact on pop culture has been undeniable. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fa...

Celebrating Godzilla's historic win at the Oscars for Best Visual Effects with a brand new art piece!  A massive congratulations not only to the legendary Godzilla but also to the incredible Minus One team for their unparalleled skill and dedication in bringing our favorite kaiju to life on the big screen. Your exceptional craftsmanship rose above the special effects of modern Hollywood, all while demonstrating remarkable cost-efficiency. Here's to a well-deserved victory and the monumental impact of your cinematic artistry! .

New Art Happy "National Dress Up Your Pet Day" everyone! To celebrate, here's a picture of Fredrick, my bearded dragon, showing off his mythological roots.

 New Artwork! As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks burst over the city skyline, lighting up the night sky. The thunderous sound stirs Godzilla from his slumber. Rising up from beneath the waves, the mighty leviathan pauses to observe the colorful display for a moment, before adding his own atomic flame to help ring in the new year.  Hope everyone has a great start to 2024! 🎉🥂

New Artwork! Concluding 2023 with another entry into my "Walking in a Winter Horror Land" series. This time it's a scene of Shin Godzilla merrily stomping his way across a snowy forest, dressed to celebrate the season. Hopefully, the people inside that cabin heard the atomic wassailer coming and decided it was lovely weather for a sleigh ride together... to somewhere else. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and wishing you all a Happy New Year!

 New Artwork! Merry Christmas Eve everyone! To celebrate, here's a new illustration to spread some winter magic. 🐾🎁 Join this adorable family of polar bears as they gather to open their presents on Christmas morning. Wishing you all a happy holiday season filled with joy and a great start to the new year! 🌟☃️

New Artwork! 🎄👹 Wishing you a Merry Krampusnacht! 🌟🎁 Embrace the festive chills with a twist of folklore as Krampus comes to town to punish the naughty! 🎨✨ Check out my new digital artwork featuring the mischievous goat-like Krampus. May your holiday season be filled with merry moments and just a hint of delightful fright! 🎅🔔

New Artwork! 🦃🏢 Thanksgiving aftermath: When the turkeys rise! 🌆🔪 Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving feast. This year, our turkey decided to take matters into its own claws. Introducing 'Thanksgiving: Rise of the Turkeys'—where giant Godzilla-like turkeys roam the city with utensils of destruction! 🍁🍂

New Artwork! Happy Godzilla Day! Today is the 69th anniversary of the monster's first film appearance in 1954. To celebrate, here's some new artwork inspired by his look in 1971's "Godzilla vs. Hedorah".

New Illustration by Chris Trefz: A Halloween Take on a Kaiju Battle! This year will bring more tricks than treats as Biollante returns from space on Halloween night to challenge the King of Monsters to a rematch. Meanwhile, the atomic titan has come ashore to eat candy and kick ass... and he's all out of candy. Here's some closeup for more detail. Hey there, fellow monster enthusiasts! Today, I'm excited to share the backstory and creation process behind my latest digital illustration: the epic showdown between Godzilla and Biollante in the Halloween spirit! Godzilla vs. Biollante: The Movie Rundown Let's kick things off with a quick trip down monster memory lane. "Godzilla vs. Biollante" hit the screens back on December 16, 1989, directed and written by Kazuki Omori and brought to life by the creative minds at Toho Studio. The plot? Well, without giving away all the spoilers, let's just say it involves the iconic Godzilla facing off against the plant-base...

New Illustration by Chris Trefz of Jason Voorhees: The Ominous Horror of Friday the 13th in October. Introduction: Friday the 13th, a date etched in the annals of horror history, has long been synonymous with spine-chilling superstitions and dark tales. It's a day where the ordinary can take on an eerie aura, and the ominous seems all too real.  This year, the stars align in the spookiest way possible, as Friday the 13th falls in the eerie month of October. To celebrate this fortuitous alignment of dates, I've created a bone-chilling artwork that pays homage to one of horror's most iconic figures: Jason Voorhees from the "Friday the 13th" film series. The Legend of Jason Voorhees: Before delving into the artwork, it's crucial to understand the legacy of Jason Voorhees. Born of the horror genre, Jason is a name that sends shivers down the spine of any self-respecting horror fan. This masked and machete-wielding slasher first appeared in the original "Frid...

Clash of Titans: New Illustration by Chris Trefz of  Godzilla vs. Ghidorah. Freed from his icy prison and fueled by hatred for his ancient rival, King Ghidorah awakens, ready to once again challenge Godzilla for the title of King of the Monsters. Introduction: In the realm of epic cinematic showdowns, few can rival the intensity and scale of the battle between Godzilla and King Ghidorah in the 2019 film "Godzilla: King of the Monsters." As a fan of monstrous clashes and the awe-inspiring world of kaiju, I was inspired to create an illustration that captures the moment when Ghidorah emerges from the ice in the Antarctic, ready to face off against the King of the Monsters himself. In this blog post, we'll delve into the plot of the movie, explore the design and significance of Ghidorah, and uncover the inspiration behind my artwork. The Plot of "Godzilla: King of the Monsters": "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" is the sequel to the 2014 film "Godzil...

New Illustration by Chris Trefz, Honoring H.P. Lovecraft's Legacy: A Tribute in Art Introduction: On this day, we pay homage to the legendary mind that birthed some of the most iconic and unsettling tales in the realm of horror fiction - H.P. Lovecraft. As an artist captivated by the eerie and uncanny, I find it fitting to create a new artwork in honor of Lovecraft's birthday. In this blog post, let's journey through the life and legacy of this master of cosmic horror, explore his impact on modern pop culture, and delve into the inspiration behind my Lovecraftian artwork. The Life and Work of H.P. Lovecraft: Howard Phillips Lovecraft, born on August 20, 1890, in Providence, Rhode Island, was an enigmatic figure whose imagination gave birth to worlds of unfathomable terror. Living much of his life in relative obscurity and facing financial challenges, Lovecraft turned to writing as an outlet for his creativity. His stories, though not widely recognized during his lifetime...

New Illustration by Chris Trefz Celebrating World Lizard Day: A Colorful Tribute to Chameleons. Introduction: World Lizard Day is a special occasion that invites us to appreciate the fascinating and diverse world of lizards. It's a day dedicated to these incredible creatures, each with its unique features and adaptations. To honor this celebration, I've created a vibrant digital illustration of a veiled chameleon, capturing the essence of these remarkable reptiles. Join me as we delve into the origins of World Lizard Day, explore the ways in which it is celebrated, and discover the inspiration behind my chameleon artwork. The Origins of World Lizard Day: World Lizard Day was established to highlight the diversity and importance of lizards in our ecosystem. While the exact origins of the day remain unclear, its significance is undeniable. Lizards play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their respective habitats, from controlling insect populations to serving as a sour...

New Illustration by Chris Trefz Celebrating National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day with Cookie Monster's Cookie Crunch Extravaganza! Introduction: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day is a delightful celebration that brings smiles to cookie lovers around the world. On this sweet occasion, I had the pleasure of creating a fun and whimsical illustration featuring none other than the lovable Cookie Monster from Sesame Street devouring an oversized chocolate chip cookie. Join me as we explore the history of this delectable day, learn more about Cookie Monster's delightful personality, and discover how to celebrate this tasty holiday in style. The History of National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day: National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day originated from our collective love for this classic treat. It is believed that this delightful holiday was established by avid cookie enthusiasts who sought to honor the iconic chocolate chip cookie and indulge in its deliciousness. While the exact origins of the...

New Illustration by Chris Trefz of Mothra: Honoring National Moth Week with a Legendary Tribute Introduction: As National Moth Week approaches, we prepare to celebrate the beauty and significance of moths in our ecosystem. This week-long event, spanning from July 22nd to July 30th, began in 2012, thanks to the initiative of the Friends of the East Brunswick (NJ) Environmental Commission. As an organization focused on environmental education and conservation, they sought to promote an appreciation of moths and the citizen science project that has grown around them. In honor of this special occasion, I am excited to share my new illustration of Mothra, a legendary winged kaiju from the world of monster movies, paying tribute to both the silver-screen creature and its real-world counterpart. The Origins of Moth Week: National Moth Week found its roots in 2012 when the Friends of the East Brunswick (NJ) Environmental Commission created an event to raise awareness about moths. Their aim wa...

New Illustration by Chris Trefz Celebrating National Video Game Day: A Nostalgic Journey into Pixelated Adventures. Introduction: National Video Game Day is an occasion that fills gamers around the world with excitement and nostalgia. It's a day when we pay tribute to the incredible history and impact of video games on our lives. To honor this special day, I have created a new illustration that takes us back to the golden era of pixelated adventures. Join me as we explore the fascinating history of video games, uncover the origins of National Video Game Day, and delve into the details of my artwork, which captures the essence of classic space shooter games. The History of Video Games: Video games have come a long way since their humble beginnings. The earliest iterations can be traced back to the mid-20th century, with significant milestones such as the creation of "Tennis for Two" in 1958 and the iconic "Pong" in 1972. These early games laid the foundation for...

New Illustration by Chris Trefz Celebrating National Bikini Day: Embracing Style, Confidence, and Freedom. Introduction: As we find ourselves on National Bikini Day, we commemorate the anniversary of a fashion revolution that forever changed the way women enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. This special day, which marks the invention of the bikini in 1946 by Parisian fashion designer Louis Reard, invites us to appreciate the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic swimwear. To honor the occasion, I have created a vibrant artwork that embodies the spirit of confidence and freedom that the bikini represents. Join me in exploring the history of the bikini and celebrating National Bikini Day with style and enthusiasm. The History of the Bikini: The introduction of the bikini in the mid-1940s marked a revolutionary shift in swimwear fashion. Created by Louis Reard, the bikini embraced boldness and liberation, revealing more of the female form than ever before. Its name was inspire...

New Artwork by Chris Trefz, Celebrating Independence Day: A Spectacular Tribute to Freedom. Introduction: As Independence Day approaches, we find ourselves reflecting on the historical significance of July 4th and the freedoms we cherish as citizens of the United States. It is a day when we come together to honor the sacrifices made by the founding fathers and the soldiers who fought valiantly in the Revolutionary War. To celebrate this momentous occasion, I have created a vibrant artwork that captures the essence of the festivities. In this blog post, let us delve into the historical importance of July 4th, explore common ways people celebrate this special day, and reflect on the gratitude we owe to those who secured our liberties. The Historical Significance of July 4th: July 4th marks the day when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, proclaiming the thirteen American colonies' separation from Great Britain. It was a pivotal moment that laid ...